How to Draw a Turtle
A red-eared slider rests on clawed feet beneath a low patterned shell. Study the shell's curved dome, the striped neck, and the short legs in a close view of this freshwater turtle.
Start the lessonStage 1: Construction
Sketch a broad oval for the shell and a long oval angled toward the upper left for the head and neck. Place three smaller ovals beneath the shell for the visible legs, making the nearest one largest.
Stage 2: Shapes
Shape the head into a rounded tip with a narrower neck joining the body. Refine the shell into a dome with a curved underside, and bend the three legs into broad, rounded feet.
Stage 3: Shell Plates and Features
Divide the shell into large curved plates and a row of smaller plates along the rim. Draw the eye, nostril, mouth, cheek patch, and flowing neck stripes. Add pointed claws to each visible foot and a small tail at the rear.
Stage 4: Complete the Sketch
Add rounded scales to the legs and deepen the stripes along the head and neck. Shade the shell plates with curved bands, leaving pale seams, and add dark patches to the underside. Finish with deeper shadows beneath the shell and a soft ground shadow under the feet.
Explore colour
Add colour
Make room for your drawing.
One page, 4 stages, and space to draw.
